SEATTLE – Construction on the Elliott Bay Seawall begins today, November 18, marking a major milestone in one of the City’s most critical infrastructure projects. This work will replace the existing seawall from S. Washington to Virginia streets and serve as the foundation for Seattle’s future waterfront.

“Today the City of Seattle is moving forward with replacing the oldest and most vulnerable portion of the Elliott Bay Seawall,” said Mayor Mike McGinn. “This infrastructure project is already creating good jobs and will help protect Seattle for many years to come.”

During the first week of work, the traveling public, waterfront visitors, businesses and residents can anticipate mobilization of equipment and materials, removal of parking beneath the Alaskan Way Viaduct and installation of safety fencing to protect the public from moving equipment. Construction will initially focus on building a new roadway beneath the viaduct between Madison and Pike streets as well as continued utility relocations, particularly near the Seattle Aquarium. The new road will serve as the primary north/south vehicular route while the new seawall is built and will be constructed over the next four to six weeks.

The Seattle Department of Transportation recognizes that this work will take place during the busy November and December holiday season, and emphasizes that during roadway construction as well as throughout the first year of construction, the waterfront and its establishments will remain open and accessible. While access to Seattle’s favorite waterfront destinations will be maintained, the traveling public should allow more time to reach their waterfront destinations, and visit downtownseattleparking.com for information on fast, accessible and reasonably priced parking.

The Elliott Bay Seawall Project will replace the existing seawall with a structure that meets current safety and design standards. It will support and protect major utilities, including power, regional telecommunications, gas, sewer and water; SR 99; the BNSF railway; as well as the future features of the Waterfront Seattle Program. For more information please visit waterfrontseattle.org.